Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show 2025, Pilot Killed; Inquiry Ordered

A HAL Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Friday afternoon during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show 2025, killing the pilot and sending shockwaves through the international aviation community.

The aircraft went down at around 2:10 p.m. local time while performing a demonstration manoeuvre. Witnesses reported that the jet suddenly lost control before plunging toward the ground. Thick black smoke rose from the crash site as stunned spectators — including families, women, and children — watched in disbelief.

IAF Confirms Fatality, Orders Inquiry

Shortly after the incident, the Indian Air Force issued an official statement confirming the pilot’s death.

“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause,” the statement said.

The identity of the pilot has not yet been officially released.

Possible Cause: What Is Known So Far

While authorities have not confirmed the cause, early indications suggest the possibility of loss of control during a high-G manoeuvre, or a sudden technical failure mid-flight.
A court of inquiry will analyse flight data, pilot inputs, aircraft systems, and weather conditions to determine what went wrong.

Air-show demonstration flights are known to push aircraft to extreme performance limits, and even minor deviations can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Incident Comes After False Claims of “Oil Leakage” Went Viral

The crash took place just a day after the Indian government refuted a wave of online claims alleging that the Tejas Mk1 suffered an oil leak during the Dubai Air Show.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit clarified that the viral videos showed routine aircraft drainage:

• The fluid seen was condensed water from the Environmental Control System (ECS)

• And moisture release from the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)

• These are standard procedures in humid climates like Dubai

• No malfunction had occurred

Officials called the claims misleading, saying propaganda accounts attempted to portray the Tejas as unreliable.

Tejas at the Dubai Air Show

The Tejas Mk1 has been a major part of India’s effort to showcase indigenous defence capabilities at global platforms. Its participation in Dubai was meant to highlight India’s aerospace manufacturing progress and strengthen export prospects.

Today’s tragedy, however, has cast a dark shadow over the event and raised fresh questions about safety during high-risk aerial performances.

Air Show Impact and Global Reaction

Organisers temporarily halted flying displays following the crash. No injuries were reported among the spectators.

International aviation communities and global air forces expressed condolences and solidarity with the IAF. Safety investigators from the UAE are expected to cooperate with Indian teams.

What Happens Next

Going forward, everything now hinges on the findings of the IAF’s court of inquiry. The investigation will likely focus on whether the crash resulted from pilot error, a technical or mechanical failure, or perhaps a combination of different operational factors coming together at the wrong moment.

What the investigators ultimately conclude could have a significant impact. Their report may shape how India approaches aerial demonstrations in the future, especially at high-profile international events. It could also influence how the Tejas is marketed abroad, potentially affecting export negotiations already underway. In addition, the outcome may prompt HAL to review or refine certain aspects of the aircraft’s certification and safety procedures, depending on what the inquiry uncovers.